How much influence does Satan have in your life? Alternatively, how much influence does God have? And if Satan, or God, has any influence, what responsibility do you bear for your actions as a result of that influence? Although abstract, these questions begin to help think about our character and nature. The first three gospel writers each tell us that Jesus spent time in the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. Mark does not give any details, but Matthew and Luke record the interaction and are clear that Jesus refuted each of Satan’s offers. Was this Satan trying to test his foe? Was it a demonstration of Jesus’ power over Satan, a foreshadowing of how the story would play out? The answer to both of these questions is “yes, and so much more.” In this wilderness encounter Satan tried, Jesus was tested, and the faithfulness of God proved true once again…